Last year, the association was given P300,000 for farm and livelihood assistance. They were also given ready-to-lay chickens and ducks while Landbank of the Philippines and Gubat St. Anthony Cooperative provided not only technical assistance but also access to financial assistance. 

"To be a beneficiary of the EPAHP program of DAR was a great opportunity because despite the limited resources we were able to venture on this livelihood. We are also grateful for the support of various agencies," Elena Ll. Arimado, association president, said.

Before venturing into squash production, the AMWG has been producing rice, corn, and other high-value commercial crops but when Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles encouraged farmers to plant more squash to meet the demand for nutri-bun, a component of the government's supplemental feeding program for children, they shifted into squash production. 

Unfortunately, the technology adopter of nutri-bun prefers to use carrots rather than squash. To help the farmers, DAR assisted the group in marketing their products in various commercial establishments in the Bicol region to include LCC Supermarket, SM Supermarket, Metro Gaisano Supermarket, Mayon Treats Food Products, and Daraga market.

Some government agencies also patronized the products to include the DSWD's Haven for Women and Children, and Reception and Study Center for Children, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and the National Nutrition Council. 

“With the marketing assistance of DAR Albay through EPAHP program, the production of squash has been able to sustainably augment our sources of income, despite the pandemic,” Arimado said. 

With the abundant production and great sales, Lunie Bronosa, a member, was able to redeem his pawned carabao.

With the potential of the organization, various agencies are now assisting the members to further develop their livelihood. The group is now considering the conversion of the squash plantation into a farm tourism site for a greater income opportunity. 

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority trained the members on organic agriculture, the Department of Agriculture provided some post-harvest facilities, the Department of Trade and Industry provided livelihood skills training, while the Department of Social Welfare and Development will provide livelihood assistance to augment their capital seed funds. 

The group members, who have been affected by various challenges such as typhoons, dry spells, flooding, pests infestations, and the COVID-19 pandemic, are now elated by the opportunities and support they are reaping from the government. 

True enough, like its color, the squash production of the Association of Men and Women of Gabawan is considered a "Golden Harvest" that the farmer-beneficiaries value and treasure. (OTB/PIA5/with reports from Sally Altea of PIA5-Albay)